San Francisco, California, Local Elections Voting Age Reduction Amendment, Proposition F (November 2016)
| Proposition F: San Francisco Youth Voting in Local Elections |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 8, 2016 |
| Status: |
 Defeated
|
| Topic: |
| Local elections and campaigns |
| Related articles |
| Local elections and campaigns on the ballot November 8, 2016 ballot measures in California San Francisco County, California ballot measures Local charter amendments on the ballot |
| See also |
| San Francisco, California |
A charter amendment allowing youth to vote in city elections was on the ballot for San Francisco voters in San Francisco County, California, on November 8, 2016. It was defeated.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of amending the city charter to lower the minimum voting age requirement from 18 to 16 for city elections. |
| A no vote was a vote against this proposal, leaving the minimum voting age for city elections at 18. |
Election results
| Proposition F | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| No | 187,860 | 52.1% | ||
| Yes | 172,744 | 47.9% | ||
- Election results from San Francisco Department of Elections
Text of measure
Ballot question
The following question appeared on the ballot:[1]
| “ |
Shall the City amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote on local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote?[2] |
” |
Simplification digest
The following summary of Proposition F was provided by San Francisco's Ballot Simplification Committee:[1]
| “ |
The Way It Is Now: San Francisco residents who are at least 18 years old and are United States citizens may register and vote in San Francisco elections. San Francisco voters may vote on local candidates and ballot measures, state candidates and ballot measures, and federal candidates. The Proposal: Proposition F is a Charter amendment that would allow San Francisco residents to vote on local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. Local candidates include candidates for the Board of Education and the Community College Board of Trustees. Proposition F would not permit 16- and 17-year-olds to vote on state candidates, state ballot measures or federal candidates. A “YES” Vote Means: If you vote “yes,” you want to amend the Charter to allow San Francisco residents to vote on local candidates and local ballot measures if they are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old and registered to vote. A “NO” Vote Means: If you vote “no,” you do not want to make these changes.[2] |
” |
Fiscal impact
The following fiscal impact statement about Proposition F was provided by the San Francisco Controller:[1]
| “ |
City Controller Ben Rosenfield has issued the following statement on the fiscal impact of Proposition F: Should the proposed charter amendment be approved by the voters, in my opinion, it would have a minimal impact on the cost of government. The amendment could be expected to increase the number of registered voters for municipal elections by up to approximately 1 percent if 16 and 17 year olds register to vote at the same rate as the general population. The Department of Elections would have some additional costs to produce voter materials. In addition it would have some costs to conduct voter education and outreach efforts for this group of voters. Spread over the four year election cycle the added expense would represent only a marginal increase in Department of Elections’ costs an annual basis.[2] |
” |
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[1]
- San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos
- State Sen. Mark Leno (D-11)
- Assemblymember David Chiu (D-17)
- Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-10)
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[1]
| “ |
Proposition F Strengthens Our Democracy Voting is the cornerstone of democracy and vital to San Francisco’s future. To solve our most pressing challenges, from the rise of Donald Trump to ending family homelessness, we need to do all we can to increase voter participation, both now and in the long run. That is why we’re voting YES on Proposition F. With Proposition F, San Francisco is leading a historic effort to foster a culture of informed voting by extending voting rights to 16 and 17 year old citizens for local and school board elections. The research is clear − the earlier someone casts their first vote, the more likely they are to continue participating as a committed, habitual, lifelong voter. Sixteen is a more stable time than age 18 to establish this habit, and 16 and 17 year olds in San Francisco are more than ready to vote. Furthermore, research shows that on average, 16-year-olds possess the same level of civic knowledge as 21 year olds, and they demonstrate equal levels of self-reported political skill and political efficacy. Additionally, the San Francisco Board of Education has committed to implementing curriculum in our high schools to ensure 16 and 17 year olds are prepared for their first election. Time and time again, our city has been on the leading edge of positive change, and with Proposition F we have that chance again. We can become the first major city to extend voting rights in this manner. We can show that we’re serious about making sure our youth become informed and committed voters, to help us solve the problems of both today and tomorrow. Join us in voting YES on Proposition F.[2] |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[1]
- Dr. Terence Faulkner, J.D., Board Member of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[1]
| “ |
THE POLITICAL MOTIVATION FOR THE “VOTE 16” MOVEMENT APPEARS TO ARISE FROM THE BELIEF THAT 16 AND 17 YEARS OLD VOTERS MIGHT BE MORE WILLING TO SUPPORT FREE-SPENDING CANDIDATES AND ISSUES THAN OLDER AND MORE BUSINESS-ORIENTED CITIZENS: Changing existing voting law in hopes of finding less worldly-wise citizens who might in some cases back questionable or unwise spending projects does not seem to be too prudent from a longterm viewpoint…unless one is a lobbyist pushing wild and expensive financial causes. The recent bankruptcy of Detroit, the receivership of Puerto Rico to prevent bankruptcy, and the endless financial problems of New York City in the 1970’s all argue for political caution. Passing this measure to reduce the average education and experience of San Francisco’s voters might be a really dumb idea. The people pushing this so-called “reform” want younger and more trusting voters, who will ask fewer questions, have less education, and might be led into the promotion of more tax waste. On its face, BAD GOVERNMENT is being promoted. Vote “NO!” on Proposition F.[2] |
” |
Media editorials
Support
- The Bay Area Reporter recommended a "yes" vote for Proposition F.[3]
- San Francisco Bay Guardian: "The strongest argument for allowing 16-year-olds to vote in local elections (other than the fact that adults haven’t always done so well at the job) is that voting is a habitual behavior. People who vote this year tend to vote next year. People who never started don’t start. And 18 is a tough time to start a new habit, since many people are leaving the community for college or a job, have too much on their minds, and don’t think about voting. If 16-year-olds can vote, it will also give them more incentive to learn about and get involved in local politics. All good. Yes on F."[4]
- San Francisco Examiner: "We hope it encourages political engagement among young voters and helps establish lifelong habits of participating in the political process."[5]
Opposition
- San Francisco Chronicle: "Since San Francisco has its own city charter and 16-year-olds would be voting only in local elections, Proposition F’s proponents say it bears up to legal challenges. (State law says voters must be 18.) What it doesn’t bear up to is the challenge of coherence. Voting is also considered a privilege of adulthood. Young people must wait until the age of 21 to drink alcohol and, in California, smoke tobacco. They must wait until the age of 18 to serve their country. It makes no sense for San Francisco to send the message that voting is a responsibility any less serious than these are. Vote no on Props. F and N."[6]
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a 9-2 vote of the San Francisco board of supervisors.[1]
"Yes" votes
The following supervisors voted in favor of putting Proposition F on the ballot:[1]
- Eric Mar - District 1
- Aaron Peskin - District 3
- Katy Tang - District 4
- London Breed - District 5
- Jane Kim - District 6
- Norman Yee - District 7
- Scott Wiener - District 8
- David Campos - District 9
- John Avalos - District 11
"No" votes
The following supervisors voted against putting Proposition F on the ballot:[1]
- Mark Farrell - District 2
- Malia Cohen - District 10
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms San Francisco local voting age reduction amendment Proposition F. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 San Francisco Elections Office, "San Francisco Voter Information Pamphlet and Sample Ballot," accessed September 26, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ The Bay Area Reporter,"B.A.R. election endorsements," accessed October 9, 2016
- ↑ San Francisco Bay Guardian,"ENDORSEMENTS! The case for six progressive supes, Kim for state Senate …," accessed October 6, 2016
- ↑ San Francisco Examiner,"Examiner Endorsements: City measures," October 13, 2016
- ↑ San Francisco Chronicle,"Voting should remain a privilege for adult citizens," September 6, 2016
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